Bucs Ink WR Mike Williams To 4-Year Deal

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that they have signed wide receiver Mike Williams, a fourth-round pick round pick out of Syracuse to a four-year contract worth $3.15 million. In 2009, Williams played in eight games and had 49 catches for 746 yards (15 yards per catch) and six touchdowns.

“I love this game, so I urged my agent, Hadley Engelhard, to reach an agreement quickly,” Williams said in a statement released by the team. “I am focused on the opportunity to contribute to the team and am very excited to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.”

An exceptionally-talented receiver, he was considered a first-round talent by many scouts, but off-field issues hurt his draft stock, and the Buccaneers were able to take him in he fourth-round with the 101st overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. The 6-2, 212-pound Williams caught 133 passes for 2,044 (15.4 avg) and 20 touchdowns in just 29 games for the Orangemen.

Williams who has impressed the coaching staff, is competing for a starting spot with Tampa Bay, and is in the mix to be the starting split end due to his downfield speed and playmaking prowess. To make room for Williams on the roster, the Bucs cut guard Michael Shumard.